Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and muscle. There are a total of 20 different amino acids, with nine of them being classified as essential. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be introduced through diet. Research has shown that three of these essential amino acids are particularly effective at increasing protein synthesis. These three amino acids are called the Branch Chain Amino Acids, or BCAAs for short. They are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. The foods that most commonly contain these BCAAs are ones that are high in protein, like meat, eggs or dairy products. Studies show that BCAAs, which are contained in our Vegan Aminos, may increase muscle growth and prevent muscle wasting.(1) Vegan Aminos is a powder to be dissolved in water, flavored naturally with elderberry, and is to be taken immediately before, during or after an exercise. On non-training days take one serving in the early afternoon.*
We all know what muscle growth is, but what is muscle wasting? It is the weakening, shrinking, and loss of muscle caused by disease or lack of use. Muscle wasting decreases strength and mobility. One of the many things BCAAs can help with is preventing muscle wasting or muscle breakdown. Muscle proteins are constantly being broken down and rebuilt or “synthesized”. Muscle wasting occurs when protein breakdown exceeds muscle protein synthesis.(2) Muscle wasting is a sign of malnutrition and occurs with chronic infections, cancer, periods of fasting, or as a natural part of the aging process.(3)*
If you like to exercise while intermittent fasting, supplementing with BCAAs can provide great results. Consuming little to no calories before or after a workout is not a very effective strategy for increasing muscle mass as you will be forcing your body to burn fat, but also lean muscle mass as well. That’s where increasing your consumption of BCAAs can help as it will slow down or stop the net loss of muscle mass following an intense workout while you are in a period of fasting.(4)*
Muscle wasting can also occur during times while your body is fighting an active bacterial or viral infection. Research from a 2019 study shows that an Influenza A infection induces muscle wasting. The lungs are the primary target of this flu virus infection and can result in severe pneumonia and the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome or ARDS. Muscle weakness is evident in up to 50% of ARDS survivors.(5) As a preventative, our Vegan Aminos can supplement your diet to support overall immune health.*
Whether you’ve experienced muscle wasting from malnutrition, chronic infections or periods of fasting, our Vegan Aminos could be helpful. Taking a BCAA supplement can increase the protein synthesis your body needs to help reduce or eliminate muscle wasting as well as boost your immune health.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
